Student Handbook

Class Sequence and Prerequisites

Students begin, even before they are declared majors, by taking the two Art History surveys, ARH 201 and 201 and the introductory Studio classes: ART 101, 102, and 111 or 112.

Declaration of Major

During your sophomore year, when you have earned at least 24 hours, you will officially declare a major. Your student records will be transferred to the department office.

Advisor

The department will assign you an advisor, a full-time faculty member who will confer with you during pre-registration and any other times you need advice about the program or graduation matters. Find your advisor.

Minor

The minor in Art History requires 24 credits, and the minor in Studio requires 21. It is possible to major in one field and minor in the other, although the same courses may not be counted twice.

Double Major

It is possible to major in both Art History and Studio Art. To do so, it will be necessary to take extra credits in both areas to avoid counting the same courses twice.

Degree Audit

Students are able to check their progress toward a degree at any time by accessing their academic records on SeaNet.

Senior Exhibit

The "capstone" experience for a studio art major is the senior exhibit, which is held in your final semester. There is an exhibit for December graduates and one for May graduates.

E-mail

E-mail is the official means of communication at UNCW and also within the department. Please check your Outlook address frequently for messages from your instructor or the department chair.

Departmental Website

Information about activities and opportunities is updated continuously on the Department's website. Often, a visit to the website can save you a visit to the office or to your advisor when you have a question.

Scholarships

Students may apply for department-specific and university scholarships. Explore scholarship opportunities.

Attendance Policies

Most classes, particularly in the studio area, have mandatory attendance policies. These ensure that students are present for important instruction in shop safety, class procedures, technical demonstrations, etc.

Honor Code

All classes in the Department follow the University Honor Code, which has specific provisions about academic honesty. One of the serious matters about which students are sometimes confused is plagiarism. Student Academic Honor Code

Final Exam Policy

All classes are required to meet for some sort of group final activity during the regularly scheduled final exam period, whether it is a written exam, a class critique, or a group discussion. It is important for students to know their exam schedules in order to avoid time conflicts at the end of the semester. Do not book a plane flight home for vacation until you are certain it will not conflict with final exams.

Graduation Application

Students sometimes don't realize that they must file a formal application to graduate the semester before their final semester. File your graduation application.

Permission to "Walk" During Graduation Ceremony

If a student has four hours or fewer remaining toward the 124 total, he or she may request permission to "walk" in the graduation ceremony. Typically, a person might walk at the big May graduation and quietly finish the degree in summer session I.

Safety

The department is interested in your personal safety as you work in the building at night and on the weekend. UNCW provides a number of resources.

Studio Access

Studios are available for your use at night and on weekends. Instructors will supply the University Police with a class list and many studios offer secure electronic or coded access after hours.

Art Gallery

The Art Gallery in Cultural Arts Building presents 8 exhibitions each year, ranging from student exhibitions to solo and group shows by guest artists as well as studio art faculty. Explore gallery exhibitions

Exhibition Opportunities

The Boseman Gallery, the Cultural Arts Building's Mezzanine Gallery, the Warwick Center, the UNCW Library Art Wall, and the Westside Hall display cases are areas on campus that frequently display student art work.

Art Circle

Every declared major in the Department is automatically a member of the Art Circle, the student art club. Learn more about Art Circle's mission.

Studio and Equipment Guidelines

Students are expected to carefully observe training and safety practices. Consult your instructor before using equipment or materials if you are unsure about their proper use.

The Cameron Art Museum

The Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum offers outstanding, changing art exhibitions and cultural events. The museum offers a special student membership rate. Visit the CAM.

Pre-Registration Advising

In October and March majors meet with their advisors to discuss the classes for the next semester and to obtain their authorization number.

Closed Classes and Waiting Lists

Many art classes close early in pre-registration before freshman or sophomore students even get a chance to sign up. Fortunately, many instructors keep waiting lists for students, and sometimes are able to add them after the first day of class.

Class Time Conflicts

Occasionally, extra-long classes might overlap in time by a few minutes. If both instructors are willing, one of them can write a memo to the Registrar's Office allowing the conflict.

Resolving Problems

It is important to follow the "chain of command" concept when you have a problem or disagreement with a faculty member. First make an appointment with the faculty member and attempt to resolve the situation. If this proves unsuccessful, then go see the department chair. If you instead complain to the Dean, Provost, Chancellor, Governor, or President of the United States, the matter will simply be referred back down to the Chair anyway.

DIS (Directed Individual Study)

You must be at least a junior and have at least a 2.00 GPA in order to do a Directed Individual Study. Fill out the DIS form.

Internship

Internships in our program are a valuable learning experience available to juniors or seniors with at least a 3.00 GPA in the major. Read internship guidelines.

Departmental Honors

For serious and committed students who are willing to put in additional time into their work. Find out more information.